East Hartford – UConn had trouble locating the end zone on Saturday.

A failure to capitalize on scoring chances and some defensive breakdowns resulted in a 28-20 loss to South Florida in American Athletic Conference football action at Rentschler Field.

The Huskies fell to 3-4, 1-2 in the conference despite piling up a season-high 528 yards.

In the first half, the Huskies moved the ball inside the 10-yard line three times and scored only three points. Bobby Puyol converted a 19-yard field goal in the second quarter.

The Huskies finally reached the end zone in the third quarter. Quarterback Bryant Shirreffs scored on a 36-yard run for UConn's only lead, 10-7.

South Florida (3-3, 1-1) seized the lead for good on a trick play. D'Ernest Johnson's 29-yard halfback option pass to Rodney Adams handed the Bulls a 14-10 edge with eight minutes left in the third quarter. Adams, a junior wide receiver, finished with three touchdown receptions.

The Huskies attempted a comeback. Shirreffs threw a 27-yard touchdown pass to Tyraiq Beals with 2:12 left. But they failed to recover an onside kick.

UConn lost for the fourth time in the last five games.

Shirreffs finished with a team-high 100 yard rushing and threw for 365 yards, completing 28 of 41 passes. He also had an interception.